My Story

Zacualpa is a small but busy village in a mountain valley.  The village is inhabited by both Quiché Indians and Ladinos (those with mixed European ancestry). The prevalent language is Spanish. Families in this village live in one or two room homes generally constructed of either wood or adobe.  Although many of the people are farmers, the village contains several small, specialized stores, a body repair shop for buses, mechanics, plumbers and many other smalltown tradesmen. It also has a large open-air market which serves much of the area.  Even with all of this, the poverty level is very high, and the children are very needy.

What a blessing to share with you about my family, life and home. I hope you find this interesting and thank you very much in advance for taking the time to read it. My name is Brayan Emanuel Gutierrez Hernandez. I was born on July 21, 2016. I am 8 years old, and my health is good currently. I am a 1^st grade student. I like red, and my favorite animal is the dog. I love eating fried chicken. in my free time, I enjoy playing soccer. I attend the feeding program alone after my classes. I take the bus for 30 minutes to get there.

My biological father is Victor Adelso Gutierrez Gutierrez. Sadly, he abandoned our family 2 years ago and we do not know anything about him. My mother´s name is Claudia Paola Hernandez Calel de Gutierrez. She is a housewife but struggles to support us by raising and selling chickens and selling snacks too. I have one brother and one sister. Fortunately, they are in good health. My family attends the Assembly of God Church. Food is one of our greatest necessities at home.

I live with my mom in my maternal grandfather´s house. He lets us live there without paying any rent. The house is made of adobe, tin sheet roof and cemented floor. It has two rooms and one kitchen. We have running water and electricity that my mother pays for. Alright, this is all for now. Before saying goodbye, I just want to add that my mother gave all this information on my behalf. I hope you are doing great. I send my best wishes to your family and you. Take care!

Many blessings,

Brayan Emanuel Gutierrez Hernandez

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua